Two new Apple Silicon MacBooks set to go into mass production in second half of 2021

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to redesign Apple’s 14-inch and 16-inch silicon-powered MacBook Pro models for release in the second half of 2021. Nikkei Asia today’s report gives credence to this timeline.

In a report that focused on Apple’s reduction in orders for the iPhone 12 from suppliers, the publication briefly noted that Apple had pushed back mass production of the two new MacBooks from May or June until the second half of the year. The report refers to laptops as “MacBooks,” but it is likely to refer to upcoming MacBook Pro models.

Meanwhile, Apple has postponed plans to start mass-producing two new MacBook laptops in the second half of the year, starting from the previous May or June schedule, Nikkei has learned. Both MacBooks will be powered by the Apple Silicon processor as part of a two-year transition away from microprocessors from longtime supplier Intel.

The second half of the year begins in July, so there should be enough time for Apple suppliers to ramp up production for a launch later in the year.

In addition to Apple silicon, Kuo expects newer MacBook Pro models to feature brighter displays with Mini-LED backlighting, a new design with a flat-edged top and bottom edge, an HDMI port, and a CD player. SD card, a classic MagSafe load with a magnetic power cable and physical function keys instead of the Touch Bar. BloombergMark Gurman corroborated many of these details, and he was the first to report that an SD card reader is back.